“Retail food prices are expected to grow faster than inflation and to increase steadily in the coming years,” Prof. Sylvain Charlebois, associate dean of research and graduate studies in Guelph’s College of Management and Economics, said in a statement.

The latest edition of Charlebois’ Food Price Index forecasts that meat and eggs will see the largest jump in prices, with most other basic foodstuffs also rising above the expected rate of inflation.

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Food Price Increase Forecast - Canada 2013

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Projected price increase in 2013, according to the Food Price Index 2013.

Projected price increase in 2013, according to the Food Price Index 2013.

Projected price increase in 2013, according to the Food Price Index 2013.

Projected price increase in 2013, according to the Food Price Index 2013.

Projected price increase in 2013, according to the Food Price Index 2013.

Projected price increase in 2013, according to the Food Price Index 2013.

Projected price increase in 2013, according to the Food Price Index 2013.

Projected price increase in 2013, according to the Food Price Index 2013.

Projected price increase in 2013, according to the Food Price Index 2013.

Projected price increase in 2013, according to the Food Price Index 2013.

But one bright spot in the forecast is the arrival of U.S. retailing giant Target, which will be selling foodstuffs in its Canadian locations and could trigger a price war with its competitors. If that happens, food price hikes could be lower than predicted, the study said.

The study also suggested climate will play a larger role in food prices in the years to come.